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Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Chinese language, international relations, business in China, and culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You will take 15-18 credits per semester. You create your academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- Chinese language course (required, 4 credits)
The required 4-credit Chinese language course, developed exclusively for IES Abroad students, is offered at varying language proficiency levels, from beginning to advanced levels.
AND
- Business Chinese elective course (optional, 3 credits, must be placed in 300-level Chinese or above)
- IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits)
- Fudan University courses (optional, 3 credits)
Academic highlights include:
- Academic lectures will take place in Shanghai and the location of your course-related trip (Fall: Seoul or Taipei, Spring: Hong Kong or Tokyo) and will provide an intercultural comparative analysis
- Visits to the stock exchanges and key investment or economic development offices
- Observations of elementary and secondary schools
- Attend a panel discussion on Chinese politics and economics
- Visits to active religious institutions and cultural areas of interest in Shanghai, and the location of your course-related trip
Courses
THIS IS A LIST OF POSSIBLE COURSE OFFERINGS. THE AVAILABILITY OF COURSES VARIES FROM TERM TO TERM.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/AS/PH 120 - An Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Religion | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM 373 - Intercultural Communications Competence (formerly CM 395 - Intercultural Communications Competence) | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 101 - Chinese Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 4 |
| CN 201 - Chinese Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 4 |
| CN 203 - Chinese Language in Context: Novice Abroad IV | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 4 |
| CN 301 - Chinese Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 4 |
| CN 323 - Business Chinese | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 3 |
| CN 351 - Chinese Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad II | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 4 |
| CN 401 - Chinese Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Chinese | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/IB 371 - Business Culture in China (formerly IB 395 - Business Practice in China) | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC/PO 325 - Chinese Economy and Politics: Transition and Development | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/IB 371 - Business Culture in China (formerly IB 395 - Business Practice in China) | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB 365 - Global Supply Chain Management | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/IR 340 - International Politics in East Asia from a Chinese Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/AS/PH 120 - An Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Religion | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC/PO 325 - Chinese Economy and Politics: Transition and Development | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 340 - International Politics in East Asia from a Chinese Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/AS/PH 120 - An Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Religion | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
The following are potential course options at Fudan University:
- The Transitional Chinese society
- The Chinese Marketplace; Globalization and Local Transformation
- Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Management in China
- China through Contemporary Chinese Film
- International Marketing
- Political Economy in China
- Doing Business in China
- Religion in Chinese Society
- Psychology and Life
Partner Institution(s)
Fudan University
fudan.edu.cn/en/
Founded in 1905, Fudan University is ranked one of the top three universities in mainland China. Fudan University offers undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs with strengths in Arts, Sciences, and Business, and is a member of the world-class Universitas 21. Fudan’s campus has a unique architectural character that reflects traditional Chinese-style buildings and gates, European-influenced structures, and the very modern Guanhua Twin Towers. The main Handan campus is easily accessible by Shanghai’s extensive subway system. The university enrolls 34,000 students, of which 2,200 are international students. Chinese students admitted to Fudan University are considered among the best in China.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Shanghai, our field trips and excursions take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. You are fully responsible for all costs associated with these field trips. Below are a few possible destinations.
You also have a few long weekends to make plans to travel independently to other cities in China to provide contrast and context for what you’re learning in Shanghai.
Day Trip
TONGLI
1 DAY | FALL & SPRING
- Explore the town often referred to as “Chinese Venice,” where 15 small, crisscrossing river lanes are spanned by nearly 50 bridges. These bridges are regarded as sacred architecture by the local people. Nine hundred years of history can be seen by admiring houses built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, complete with courtyards.
- This trip is included in the program cost, with the exception of personal expenses.
Course Related Trips
These course-related trips are associated with specific IES Abroad courses you may take while abroad, and are considered an integral part of your learning experience. They are organized to complement your IES Abroad courses, while also giving you helpful general knowledge about Chinese culture and society. Participation in a course-related trip is based on course registration.
Extended Program-Related Trip
As a Shanghai Economy, Business, and Society program student, you will participate in a 5-7 day program-related trip to another Asian business hub, which will add a comparative element to your studies. You will visit historic sites and participate in cultural events and workshops; attend lectures by leading academics and professionals on politics, business leadership and global economy; and have the opportunity for urban exploration during your free time at any of the possible Asian destinations. Previous locations for this trip have included: Tokyo, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, South Korea; and Hong Kong, China.
Optional Field Trips
HUANGSHAN (YELLOW MOUNTAIN)
3 DAYS | FALL & SPRING
- The Yellow Mountain is one of the most famous and beautiful mountainous areas in China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its spectacular natural scenery includes oddly shaped pines and rocks, and mystical seas of clouds. Hike, visit an ancient village, and have the opportunity to explore the Tunxi old street.
TAISHAN
3 DAYS | FALL & SPRING
- Taishan Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Shandong Province. Mount Tai is known as the eastern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China, and is often regarded as the foremost of the five. Mount Tai has been a place of worship for more than 3,000 years and served as one of the most important ceremonial centers of China during large portions of this period.
HANGZHOU
2 DAYS | FALL & SPRING
- Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is known as “Heaven on Earth” with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It was described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world,” and listed in the “Top 52 places to go in 2016” by The New York Times. Hangzhou is one of the Seven Ancient Capital Cities, with a history of about 2,500 years. The main attractions include the West Lake, Lingyin Buddhist Temple, and Chinese Dragon Well Tea hills.
NANJING
2 DAYS | FALL & SPRING
- The capital of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River and is one of the most delightful destinations in China. Known as the capital city of many dynasties in ancient Chinese history, it has a brilliant cultural heritage. During the trip, you will visit the Presidential Palace, Purple Mountain, Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, and enjoy the night view of Confucius Temple Bazaar.
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Shanghai is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or a field trip that takes you to places that enrich your cultural and academic learning—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with a specially designed, three-day orientation introducing you to the IES Abroad staff, your fellow students, health and safety procedures, the current social and political conditions in China, the expectations of you as a student in a Chinese institution, and the city of Shanghai.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Beyond orientation sessions, you will explore the city with a scavenger hunt designed to help you feel at home in your new environment. Feel prepared to begin classes with practical Chinese lessons and activities designed to help you learn your way around campus facilities. Additional cross-cultural and re-entry information and support is provided throughout the semester.
You also take a day trip to one of China's "Water Towns," Tongli, which is included in your program cost.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Shanghai, it will feel like home.
Apartments - Live in an apartment with other IES Abroad students at the modern New Harbour Service Apartments (where the IES Abroad Shanghai Center is located). Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and jacuzzi. It is five subway stops from the historic Xuhui campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The standard, fully furnished apartment has two or three bedrooms with one or two bathrooms and one kitchen. You may share a double bedroom with another IES Abroad student or have a single room.
This option does not include a meal plan, but you can cook for yourself, eat in a campus cafeteria, or at nearby restaurants.
Homestays – Homestays offer the ideal environment for learning about China and improving your Chinese. While living in a local home may require an initial adjustment period, our Chinese homestay families are eager to get to know you and share their ideas, language, and culture.
You have a private bedroom and are provided two meals a day by your host family (breakfast and dinner) five days a week while the program is in session. Homestay opportunities have an additional cost.
PLEASE NOTE: Homestay opportunities are extremely limited.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Shanghai through our cultural activities, such as:
- Joining student clubs
- Volunteering for community service
- Watching professional soccer, baseball, and basketball teams
- Boating on the Huangpo River
- Visiting local museums and historic sites
University Clubs & Events
While in Shanghai, you can take advantage of available on-campus activities. Clubs are student run and provide an excellent opportunity for increased campus integration. Past clubs have included:
- Explorer Volunteers Association (Provides assistance to disadvantaged groups in rural areas)
- Air & Health (Environmental Protection Association)
- Management Association
- Modern Dance (Reggea, hiphop, jazz, tap)
- Shaolong Kungfu
- Sports (Badmintin, tennis, vollyball, baseball, cycling, and more)
- Music PlayGround
- Photography Association
- Drama Club
- Taichi
Get to Know Your New City
Enjoy Local Festivals
Immerse yourself in Chinese customs and traditions at the Lantern Festival in the spring semester or the Shanghai Tourism Festival in the fall.
Eat & Shop in Xintiandi
Explore Xintiandi’s North and South Blocks, where the past meets present in this chic shopping and dining district.
Go on a Huangpu River Night Cruise
Take a boat ride around the Bund to see the beauty of Shanghai architecture in all its glory!
Visit Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple Bazaar
See the extensive Chinese garden with its classic architecture, beautiful sculptures and carvings, then walk the photogenic Nine-Bend Bridge that connects the two to shop and dine at the Bazaar.
Visit Shanghai Disneyland
It is a small world after all! Plan a trip to the famous Disney theme park, filled with attractions you know and love, and new ones, too.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Shanghai Center is located in New Harbor Service Apartments - the same building as the Economy, Business & Society student apartments - in the heart of central Shanghai. You can easily access all parts of Shanghai from the Center, via the city's extensive subway and bus system.
Features of the IES Abroad Shanghai Center include:
- Small library and study space
- Meeting lounge
- A classroom
- WiFi with printer access
- Staff offices
Our Staff
Qinbo "James" Gao
Center Director
Director/CoordinatorQinbo "James" Gao has been involved in international education for many years. Prior to joining IES Abroad Shanghai as the Center Director, he was the Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)-Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF). He joined SAIF in 2009 as a founding member for the institution, which is a collaboration between the Shanghai Municipal Government (SMG) and SJTU.
Before joining SAIF, James worked at the Chinese Europe International Business School (CEIBS) as Accreditations & International Programs Manager. He started his career as an English lecturer at Tongji University, where he received “Junior Teacher Awards” in 1998 and 1999, based upon student voting and academic reviews.
James received his bachelor’s degree from the International Studies University in Xi’an, and his M.A. in Tourism Administration from The George Washington University School of Business. He is a candidate for the Doctorate of Education at the University of Nottingham (China Campus), focusing on practical research in higher education.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Lihong YANG
Assistant Director
Yun GE
Program Assistant
Shuo HAN
Academic and Chinese Language Coordinator
Jiaxin QUI
Internship and Student Affairs Manager
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